'I left my family's gay bashing cult, and now I'm fighting for equality'

Libby Phelps Alvarez was brought up on hate speech as the granddaughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps. Today, she is supporting gay equality as part of the Planting Peace organization.

Gabriella Bass

Libby Phelps Alvarez (above, at a 2006 protest) was brought up on hate speech as the granddaughter of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps. Today, she is supporting gay equality as part of the Planting Peace organization.

Courtesy of subject

Libby’s grandfather Fred Phelps

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Libby Phelps Alvarez stands outside her grandfather’s Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan. Four years ago, she fled the church, known for its extreme hate speech.

Gabriella Bass

Today, she is working with Planting Peace, which opened its “Equality House” across the street.

Gabriella Bass

The church blasted Libby (right) and her sister Sara for wearing bikinis in this photo, which led to Libby’s departure from the church.

Courtesy of subject

Libby’s parents have not spoken to their daughter in four years.

Gabriella Bass

Libby first met her friend Blake, who is gay, while she was still in the church. “I knew there was some sanity in there,” says Blake. “But she and I never talked about religion or homosexuality.”